The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with
representative government. The reigning monarch is the head of state, the chief executive
and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The king exercises his executive authority
through the prime minister and the Council of Ministers, or cabinet. The cabinet,
meanwhile, is responsible before the elected House of Deputies which, along with the House
of Notables (Senate), constitutes the legislative branch of the government. The judicial
branch is an independent branch of the government.

Since 1989, all elements of
the Jordanian political spectrum have embarked together on a road to greater democracy,
liberalization and consensus building. These reforms, which were guided by the late King
Hussein, have placed Jordan on an irreversible road to democratization. The result has
been greater empowerment and involvement of everyday citizens in Jordans civic life,
contributing to increased stability and institutionalization which will benefit the
country far into the future.